First aid training for businesses is a must. If you have looked at the ‘Health and Safety at Work Act 1974’ and the ‘Heath and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981’ you might have found them confusing. Below is a list of courses that are HSE recommended for businesses with the pros and cons.
Good luck and happy searching.
Basic Life Support
The smallest of the courses, but contains the basic lifeskills to save a life. This course is suitable for small businesses of less than 5 people.
Pros: Better than the minimum requirement, builds confidence
Cons: May leave you wanting to learn more.
Business Type: Office-based, Small Shops, Sole Traders
Emergency First Aid at Work
A one day course which meets HSE requirements. It covers the essentials for day to day working in a low level hazard environment.
Pros: Essential life skills, builds confidence
Cons: Doesn’t cover more serious wounds or conditions
Business Type: Small to Medium Shops, Offices, Clubs and Organisations
First Aid at Work
This course is the gold standard course for businesses. It covers everything needed for all types of businesses of all sizes.
Pros: Gold Standard, builds confidence, simple to remember
Cons: doesn’t cover heat-related conditions
Industries: All businesses
First Aid at Work - Requalification
This course is ideal for those that have already completed a First Aid at Work. The requalification is over 2 days and updates on everything covered in the three day course.
Pros: Gold Standard, builds and increases confidence
Cons: doesn’t cover heat-related conditions
Business Type: All
Annual Refresher Course
The HSE recommend that all first aiders complete an annual refresher. This is a short course that refreshes the essentials to reduce skill fade. This course is valid for the Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work. Certificate of Attendance issued.
Pros: Reduces skill fade, builds confidence
Cons: doesn’t cover some more serious conditions or illnesses
Business Type: All